Texas family’s dog killed in ‘spear’ mystery

A Texas family is grappling with the loss of their dog, who was killed with an “improvised spear” in a broad daylight incident, according to local news station KVEO.

Police are investigating the incident, but no suspects have been identified.

The context

The June 4 incident occurred in the family’s front yard. The weapon, described as an “improvised spear” made from a kitchen knife and PVC pipe, was still embedded in Chance’s body when the owners discovered him, local media reported. Chance, an 8-year-old Labrador mix, was known to occasionally run out of the yard but always return home safely.

What we know

On the day of the attack, Chance’s owner came home from work and decided to take a nap. He noticed that nothing unusual had happened. A few hours later, he was awakened by the screams of a family member who said the dog was lying dead in the front yard and the gun was still inside him.

According to a report from WKRG, Chance’s owner, who wished to remain anonymous, described the horrific scene and noted that the dog was able to return home despite his fatal injuries. Blood stains were found along the road, suggesting that the dog was killed far from the house but managed to make it home before dying despite his injuries.

“I can’t imagine anyone committing such a heinous crime, especially if it was this cruel,” Chance’s owner told KVEO. “Not even in the neighborhood have we heard of anyone having problems with my dog.”

A Brownsville police detective told local media that such crimes are not common and that this was an isolated incident.

Cruelty to animals other than livestock is a third-degree crime unless the person has been previously convicted.

Newsweek has reached out to a Brownsville Police representative for comment.

Views

The family expressed their deep sadness at the loss of Chance. “He was my best buddy, we did everything together,” the owner said. “I’ve built such a great bond with him over the last eight years and it’s sad to see him go like this.”

People reacted to the incident online. In a post on Reddit, users expressed their anger and outrage over the incident.

One user wrote: “I’m literally crying. He was such a good boy. This is disgusting – the person responsible needs to be stopped before they hurt another innocent being with four or two legs…”

Another user wrote: “Poor puppy! Remember that killing animals is the first step to becoming a serial killer.”

What’s next

Brownsville Police continue to investigate the case and ask anyone with information to come forward. Anyone wishing to provide anonymous tips can contact Brownsville Crime Stoppers at (956) 546-TIPS (8477).

The family buried the dog in their backyard and placed a plant over the grave.